- Aldai MP Marianne Kitany supports President Ruto’s Ksh1.7 billion local travel budget.
- She says the spending helps him connect with Kenyans and fulfil his duties.
- The amount is more than double the Ksh750 million used last financial year.
- Kitany says the President needs full security and proper planning during tours.
Aldai Member of Parliament Marianne Kitany has defended the large amount spent on President William Ruto’s local travel, saying it allows him to reach the people directly.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Kitany said the Ksh1.7 billion spent in just nine months was necessary to support Ruto’s work on the ground. This figure is more than double the Ksh750 million used during the same period last year.
“When we increase his budget, he can travel and listen to people on the ground,” she said. Planning is involved. We should not complain.”
She also explained that the President, being a symbol of national unity, cannot move around lightly. “He cannot travel lean. He needs full protection,” she added.
Wamuchomba Hits Back: This is Wasteful
However, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba disagreed sharply, accusing the President of showing off instead of engaging.
She recalled an incident where Ruto reportedly came to her area using nine helicopters, despite the short distance from Nairobi.
“He came to my constituency in nine helicopters just to lecture me for rejecting the Finance Bill,” Wamuchomba said. “That’s not listening.”
Her comments were aimed at showing how Ruto’s travel is more about display than meaningful dialogue.
The debate comes at a time when Kenyans are under financial pressure, and the government is being questioned about how it uses public funds.
Ruto recently rejected the Finance Bill after weeks of protests and promised to cut government costs. But critics now say his expensive travel habits contradict that promise.
With growing concern about joblessness, taxes, and high living costs, the travel budget has added fuel to public anger. Many Kenyans are now watching to see whether real austerity will follow, or if leaders will continue spending while citizens suffer.
